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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it so busy at Schiphol?

Many more people will pass through Schiphol than usual during the upcoming holiday periods. This is because more people choose to fly and more often. Many airlines are using larger planes to serve Schiphol in order to meet the increased demand for tickets. This means that more travellers come to the airport at the same time, which may cause longer queues. We take special measures during busy periods to ease the pressure, and have more staff on hand to help you. We always do all we can to ensure that you reach your departure gate quickly, comfortably and safely.

When should I plan to arrive at the airport?

How long you should plan to arrive at the airport before your flight, depends on where you are going. Please check your airline's website for up-to-date advice and your check-in desk’s opening time. We normally advise 2 hours in advance for European flights, and 3 hours for intercontinental flights. You should also find out whether there are traffic jams, road or rail works and adjust your journey to Schiphol accordingly.

Where do I park to pick up or drop-off travellers?

When bringing or collecting travellers by car, follow the Parking (‘Parkeren’) signs to the P1 Short-term Car Park. From there, it’s 3-6 minutes’ walk to Departures and Arrivals. You can also drop off departing travellers directly in front of the check-in area (follow the ‘Vertrek'/'Wegbrengen’ signs), but you are not allowed to park or wait there.

Where can I find departure and arrival times?

Do I always need to bring my passport when travelling abroad?

If you have a valid passport, we strongly advise you to bring it when travelling through Schiphol. Whatever your destination, you will almost certainly be required to carry valid ID there. In some cases, this does not necessarily have to be a passport. When travelling within the Schengen zone, you can also use an official national identity card. A valid passport is required elsewhere.

Your airline will also check your passport or identity card against the details on your ticket, to confirm that you are the registered traveller.